JESUS SAID “I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN”
Matt 4:18-20 – “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 9) And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20) And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” Mark 1:17 – “Come after me and I will make you to be fishers of men.” (KJV)
Have you ever considered that the Lord (through the Holy Spirit) went fishing for you until you were caught? How did He fish for you? I’m sure He directed others to pray for you and of course the Holy Spirit was drawing you. Jesus sent special people into your life along they way to minister His love to you. Perhaps you heard God’s Word preached, or watched a TV ministry, or maybe overheard a conversation about the Lord. Whatever means He used, you have to acknowledge that God never gave up on you. His love for all of mankind and for you individually motivated Him to continue reaching out to you until at last you surrendered.
Notice the mention of nets in the above scripture …”and they left their nets, and followed him.” Now Jesus called them to be fishers of men and yet they left their nets! Obviously, they were being mentored in fishing for human beings, using different bait, or one might say different nets.
Likewise, today, Jesus has commissioned us to go forth, preach the gospel, make disciples – in others words – “Go Fishing!” When you follow Jesus you will learn to fish for souls.
Proverbs 11:30—“….he that winneth souls is wise. KJV
What can we do to participate with the Holy Spirit to draw people to the Father? Some bait suggestions are: fish in prayer for those you want saved, share your testimony, perhaps text a scripture or positive word to someone. Another bait for your fishing expedition could be acts of kindness, buying someone a tank of gas, sending an email or card, or making a phone call to encourage a friend. Sharing a word in season and living your life before others is a tremendous witness for the Lord and it displays a way of living that is different from the world. Feeding the poor, developing a trust level, praying one-on-one for others, smiling and offering to be assistance to others are additional ways to cast your net/bait for souls.
Remember some plant, some water, some fertilize (nurture or disciple) and then some harvest (that is brings them to the Lord). If you’re hesitant to “fish for men (or women)”, remind yourself of the joy and relief when you were “caught” and rescued by the Lord and He brought you on board – that is into His Kingdom.
So gather your fishing gear, leave a “Gone Fishin” note and win souls for Jesus!
God bless you!!
